The night curfew decided by the government went into effect tonight (Thursday) at 20:30, in an attempt to prevent the rallies during Purim. The curfew will end at 5:00 a.m., and will continue in a similar hours format tomorrow evening and the night between Saturday and Sunday.
During curfews, it is forbidden to leave the place of residence for more than 1,000 meters and it is forbidden to stay in another person’s house. In addition, the opening of businesses is prohibited, except for essential businesses. The fine for violating the closure or staying at another person’s home is NIS 500.
The Ministry of Health clarified that the ban on gatherings remains in force around the clock, and no events should be held that deviate from the regulations regarding gatherings – 10 people in a closed space and 20 people in an open space. It is also forbidden to hold adlaide processions, shows and conventions.
Under the restrictions, public transportation will operate during the holidays on a limited basis. The intercity lines ceased operations tonight at 20:00, and urban public transport operates at 75% occupancy. Israel Railway stations closed tonight, and will reopen on Sunday morning.
Tomorrow, public, urban and intercity transportation will operate on a regular basis and with a limited occupancy of 75%. On Saturday night, urban public transportation will operate as a series, with no intercity public transportation activity. On Sunday, public, urban and long-distance transportation will operate on a regular basis and with 75% occupancy throughout the country. It appears that the government will decide to disable intercity transportation to and from Jerusalem on Saturday evenings and Sundays.
The police announced a significant increase in supervision and enforcement actions, in order to enforce the various regulations and restrictions. Tonight, traffic police officers deployed 24 checkpoints across the country, and will do so for the next two nights. The checkpoints, located on the interurban arteries leading to the cities, will operate from 20:00 in the evening until the morning hours every day. Simultaneously with the checkpoints, hundreds of vehicles and police officers will operate during the curfew, setting up skipping checkpoints and conducting searches around the country.
